'Long before Erdogan’s government started buying Russian air defense systems and blocking Sweden’s accession to NATO, the country’s longest-serving leader was seen by some in the West as a progressive reformer.' -Aidan Springs
Slowly at first, however, Erdogan’s policies shifted from relatively liberal to borderline authoritarian. Unhappy with this change, Turkish citizens took to the streets in May 2013 to protest the regime. While Erdogan was able to maintain control, his government tightened its hold on power even further after these events. In 2016, a coup attempt was staged against Erdogan. Again, Erdogan quickly put down the opposition and began a massive campaign of purges.
Following the 2016 coup attempt, Putin was the first world leader to phone the president, offering his sympathies and pledging to support him. One year later, and much to the chagrin of the United States, the Turkish government negotiated the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense system. This undermined Turkey's NATO responsibilities by threatening to allow Russia to collect intelligence from the S-400 for later use against NATO pilots.
In July 2022, Erdogan would fulfill his goals of mediation, brokering the Black Sea grain deal, a compromise that allowed the resumption of grain exports from Ukraine. This was welcomed in the West. But any hopes Erdogan might be moving closer to the Western orbit were dashed when Erdogan blocked Sweden from joining NATO. He cited Stockholm's tacit support of Kurdish independence groups, which Ankara views as terrorist organizations.
But now Erdogan faces another challenge. Russia has pulled out of the grain deal. What Erdogan will do next is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Erdogan now needs the West more than it needs him. Erdogan’s failure to rebuild the Turkish economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and his refusal to raise interest rates have driven the nation into hyperinflation. It has also caused many of the nation’s investors to turn away from the ailing economy.Aidan Springs is a rising Junior at American University and a current National Journalism Center intern.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder slams NATO for Russia-Ukraine conflict: ‘In the end, money won’Cohen expressed frustration with NATO expansionism and the “military-industrial-congressional complex” as aggravating factors in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
Ben & Jerry's co-founder blames NATO, 'military-industrial-congressional complex' for Russia-Ukraine conflictBen & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen expressed frustration with NATO expansion and the 'military-industrial-congressional complex' in an interview with Politico this week.
Read more »
Turkey urges Sweden to act over terrorism for NATO membership supportTurkey will act to ratify Sweden's NATO membership bid in conjunction with cooperation from Stockholm in the fight against terrorism, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted on Friday as saying.
Read more »
Erdogan to hold meetings for regional peace with Abbas and NetanyahuTurkish President Erdogan initiates crucial yet separate diplomatic talks with Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu within same week, seeking constructive dialogue in region
Read more »
Sullivan, Murkowski support Biden administration’s move to send cluster munitions to UkraineAlaska Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said they support the Biden administration’s decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions, which the country has started using against Russian forces.
Read more »